Now that you’ve heard from a local mom how life-changing a mommy makeover can be, you may be wondering what a mommy makeover actually entails. The short answer is: anything you want it to.
Which procedures are included in your mommy makeover is entirely up to you and your surgeon. It’s all about what will boost your confidence and is fitting for your body—and that differs for every mom.
That being said, there are some common breast and body changes women see after pregnancy and certain procedures stand out when it comes to addressing these issues.
Breast lift to improve breast drooping
As most moms know, your breasts go through a lot of changes during pregnancy—and while most of these changes are temporary, they can have a lasting impact. As your body prepares for the arrival of your baby in a multitude of ways, your breast size will increase to accommodate milk production. Whether you love or hate having a larger bust, your breasts will return to their pre-baby size shortly after you stop breastfeeding.
Depending on how many children you’ve had, how much your breast size changed, and your skin’s natural elasticity, your breasts may look very different than they did before you became a mom. The loss of fullness in the upper breast combined with breast ptosis (sagging) can create a deflated appearance that is impossible to prevent or correct through at-home interventions.
That’s why mastopexy, or a breast lift, is one of the most common procedures I perform for mothers. A breast lift can restore a natural, youthful look to the breasts by removing excess sagging skin, repositioning the nipple and areola, and lifting the breasts higher on the chest.
Often, breast implants are also placed to help add fullness to the upper portion of the breast—and with the latest generation of breast implants, you can have a very natural result that closely resembles your pre-motherhood breasts, or even better, if you so choose.
Tummy tuck to reduce excess skin on the abdomen
Barring those who won the genetic lottery, most moms know firsthand how carrying a baby for 9 months can affect your abdomen. The “mummy tummy” or “pregnancy pooch” typically occurs on the lower stomach where the skin has been stretched beyond its ability to repair itself and bounce back; this hanging skin can be physically uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Additionally, some mothers experience diastasis recti, which is a separation of abdominal muscles. While some separation can be corrected with certain exercises, moderate to severe cases will often require surgery to repair.
During a tummy tuck, I remove excess skin, repair separated abdominal muscles, and pull the remaining skin taut to create a slim, smooth silhouette. I may also reposition and repair your belly button to ensure your final result looks natural.
Other mommy makeover options
While a tummy tuck and breast surgery are the most common options, many of my San Diego mommy makeover patients also opt to include additional procedures.
Liposuction
The way your body stores fat can change after you become a mom—and your normal workout routine and healthy diet may not make a difference in areas of concern. Typically, excess fat around the midsection and hips is the most stubborn and resistant to exercise. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to create a smooth result, but I can also remove fat to further contour the body and improve the proportions of the hips, belly, and thighs.
Feminine rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation has become an increasingly popular mommy makeover option, as it can help moms reclaim their sense of identity outside of parenthood. Childbirth is hard on women and commonly results in changes to the vaginal tissues, and intimacy may be hampered if you are feeling self-conscious about the way your vulvovaginal area looks or feels.
Both surgical and non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation can help correct loose vaginal tissues, reduce the size of the labia, and even improve your ability to take pleasure with your partner.
Skin resurfacing
The combination of changes to your body’s chemistry and loss of time for self-care means that your skin may not have the glow it once did. Laser skin resurfacing can remove old skin cells and help promote healthy, new skin cells to minimize the appearance of dark spots and redness, reduce melasma, soften fine lines, and provide an overall more radiant, healthy complexion.
Your mommy makeover is what you want it to be
I think moms are pretty spectacular—and they deserve to feel confident, beautiful, and strong. Whether you want to make a small change or correct more severe issues with multiple procedures, my team and I are happy to work closely with you so we can ensure you get exactly what you need. If you would like to learn more about your mommy makeover options, please contact my office at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre (LJCSC) to schedule a complimentary consultation.
About Dr. Hector Salazar: Dr. Salazar is a board certified plastic surgeon well-known for his exceptional patient care and natural-looking results. He serves patients at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, an award-winning, full service cosmetic surgery practice and medical spa that has been helping patients in San Diego and beyond look and feel fabulous for 30 years.
Great overview!